A parliamentary group, often termed a parliamentary party or caucus, is composed of members from the same political party or coalition within a legislative assembly. This assembly may be a national parliament or a local city council. Such groups facilitate collaboration and streamline decision-making processes among members with shared political ideologies.
Establishment of the Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG)
The Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) was established in 1949 as an autonomous body. This formation followed a resolution passed by the Constituent Assembly on 16 August 1948. The IPG serves as important link between Indian parliamentarians and their counterparts worldwide.
Importance of Inter-Parliamentary Relations
In ’s globalised world, inter-parliamentary relations hold importance. These connections allow for the exchange of ideas and discussions on pressing issues. The IPG plays a very important role in maintaining these links through delegations, goodwill missions, and document exchanges with foreign parliaments.
Membership Structure of the IPG
Membership in the IPG is open to all current members of the Indian Parliament. Former members can join as associate members but with limited rights. Associate members cannot represent the group at meetings or receive certain travel concessions.
Leadership of the IPG
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha serves as the ex-officio President of the IPG. The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha act as ex-officio Vice-Presidents. The Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha also serves as the ex-officio Secretary-General of the Group.
Objectives of the Indian Parliamentary Group
The IPG aims to:
- Promote personal contacts among Indian parliamentarians.
- Study questions of public importance likely to arise in parliament.
- Organise seminars and discussions on various political and social issues.
- Facilitate foreign visits to strengthen international parliamentary ties.
Functions of the IPG
The functions of the IPG include:
- Acting as a link between the Indian Parliament and parliaments worldwide.
- Organising addresses by visiting heads of state and government.
- Conducting seminars and symposia on parliamentary issues.
- Providing letters of introduction for members visiting abroad.
Delegation Composition
Only members of the IPG with at least six months of standing can be included in official Indian parliamentary delegations. This ensures that experienced members represent India in international forums.
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organisation comprising 153 parliaments from sovereign states. The IPU focuses on promoting peace, democracy, and cooperation among nations. The IPG acts as the National Group of the IPU, facilitating India’s engagement in global parliamentary discussions.
Benefits of IPU Membership
Membership in the IPU offers several advantages:
- Opportunities to build contacts with parliamentarians from member countries.
- into contemporary changes and reforms in various nations.
- Access to participate in inter-parliamentary conferences abroad.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
The CPA is a network of 17,000 Commonwealth parliamentarians aimed at enhancing knowledge of parliamentary systems. The IPG serves as the Indian branch of the CPA, allowing members to participate in global seminars and discussions.
Friendship Groups
The IPG has established several Parliamentary Friendship Groups to encourage bilateral relations. These include:
- India-China Parliamentary Friendship Group
- India-European Union Parliamentary Friendship Group
- India-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group
- India-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group
- India-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group
Publications and Communication
The IPG publishes a quarterly newsletter to provide updates on its activities. This ensures that all members and associate members stay informed about ongoing initiatives and opportunities.
Awards and Recognition
The IPG awards the title of Outstanding Parliamentarian annually. This recognition acknowledges the contributions of parliamentarians in strengthening India’s diplomatic ties and promoting democratic values.
Seminars and Symposia
The IPG regularly organises seminars and symposia on various topics of national and international significance. These events facilitate knowledge sharing and promote discussions on best practices in governance.
Role in Global Issues
The IPG actively engages in discussions on global challenges such as climate change, security, and economic development. By participating in international forums, the IPG helps articulate India’s stance on these critical issues.
International Cooperation
The IPG’s activities promote international cooperation among parliaments. This cooperation enhances India’s diplomatic relations and encourages mutual understanding with other nations.
IPG and Domestic Challenges
While the IPG focuses on international relations, it also addresses domestic legislative challenges. By enhancing communication between parliamentarians, the IPG contributes to more effective governance.
